About Our Primary School

St Nicholas’ Parochial School is a co-educational, child-centred school with a long tradition of serving the youth of Galway. It is located in the heart of Galway City in Waterside, Woodquay. It is situated beside the Town Hall Theatre and is within close walking distance of the University of Galway and the hospital (UHG). This Church of Ireland School is the Parish School of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Our Primary school aims to provide an opportunity for each child to reach his/her potential in a co-educational setting and friendly atmosphere. It also aims to develop in each child the capacity to think clearly, creatively and critically and is a place where moral values and civic responsibility are nurtured and protected.

The Irish Primary Curriculum is delivered in an integrated manner, respective and appreciative of different religious affiliations and of different nationalities of the world. Facilities are available for children who wish to make their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Due to the central location of our Galway City Primary School (beside the Town Hall Theatre), our pupils have the opportunity to attend many different educational events within the city. The children regularly visit the Town Hall Theatre, Dubray Book Shop, The Black Box Theatre, The Galway City Museum, The City Library, Woodquay Park, The Plots (football pitch), The University, The Hospital and many other locations of interest.

Our school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as Swimming, Hockey, Drama, Chinese, French, Zumba, Ladybirds, Brownies, Music and Yoga.

St. Nicholas’ have an After School Facility in the school which facilitates homework and provides a range of activities.

The majority of the sixth class pupils transfer to local secondary schools in the Galway area.

School hours are as follows: 

Infants Classes: 8.30am to 1.20pm 

First Class –  Sixth Class: 8.30am to 2.20pm

ENROLMENT

Interested in Enrolling?

What’s Happening?

Galway Science and Technology

Galway Science and Technology

Junior and Senior Infants are getting ready for the Science Festival Exhibition on Sunday, 9th November. Our theme is,” Toys: Then, Today and Tomorrow.” It’s on at University of Galway,10am to 5pm. Please call in to see us! [gallery link="file"...

read more
Bricks 4 Kidz

Bricks 4 Kidz

✈️The Junior Classes were delighted to welcome Úna to our school today ahead of Science Week next Week! The children engaged in an amazing LEGO workshop, building aeroplanes and helicopters WITH MOTORS!!! STEM at it’s very best! The Senior Classes cannot wait for...

read more
School Hoody Delivery

School Hoody Delivery

We were delighted with the delivery of this year’s school sweatshirts and hoodies! Thank you #HiddenGem #HeartOfGalway

read more

Testimonials

default image

St. Nicholas’ School is a top class school with great teachers and a great atmosphere. My children really enjoy this school. I recommend it highly. 5* (Declan)

April 15, 2018

default image

As our daughter finishes her time at this beautiful primary school, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the years she’s spent here. From the very beginning, the school has felt like a second home – warm, welcoming, and full of heart.

The teachers are truly passionate about what they do. Their dedication, patience, and genuine care for the children have made a lasting impact on our daughter’s learning and confidence. It’s clear that they go above and beyond, not just to teach, but to truly connect with each child.

What makes this school even more special is the sense of community. The other parents have been so kind and supportive – it really does feel like everyone is looking out for each other. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a smile at drop-off, or organising little get-togethers, there's a real spirit of togetherness.

I am very happy that my son will continue his education in this school as he still has few more years to go - otherwise we would miss the small, close-knit environment and the joyful atmosphere that fills the school each day. It’s a place where children are not only educated but also truly cared for. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our daughter’s school journey. Alicja

October 9, 2025

default image

We really appreciate all the hard work and dedication everyone at St. Nicholas’ puts into making sure our children have such a positive and nurturing start to their learning journey. We are so pleased with how well our daughter has settled and the progress she has already made. Our younger son is starting school this coming September and we are thrilled that he was accepted to St. Nicholas’ where friends are made and teachers become your family.  (Magda and Kenny)

 

February 8, 2024

default image

Our daughter is currently coming to the end of her time in St Nicholas' and we can think of no better place for her to have spent such formative years. The school is like an extended family for the students and the friendships that are established between students from differing year groups is such a special and unique experience. We will leave St Nicholas' with a heavy heart but eternally grateful for the time that our daughter has spent here. Phil Clapperton

October 8, 2025

default image

St. Nicholas’ Parochial School is a great school because of the friendly environment, qualified staff that are so helpful and understanding. St. Nicholas’ School has plenty of extra activities that the children can choose from.

October 5, 2015

default image

St Nicolas’ is a second home for our daughter. It really is! She absolutely loves her time in School! The school is unique! Small and individual teaching. Every Child feels special and important! (Alicja)

October 7, 2021

default image

"From the minute I stepped in the doors of St Nicholas' School for the open day I knew it was a very special place and my mind was instantly made up that it was the right school for my children. Three of my children attend now and they adore the school, they look forward to going every day. The children all receive excellent attention from their teachers, and this can be seen in their progress made throughout the year. I would have absolutely no question in recommending this school to any potential students" (Brooke)

October 7, 2021

default image

St. Nicholas’ is a very special school because it is petit in size but huge in ideas. The children are spoiled with different afterschool activities like Chinese, Brownies, hockey, and the most loved by my daughter...swimming! The teachers are dedicated and caring. I recommend this school to all of my friends.

October 5, 2015

default image

We have two boys in the school, one in first class and one in third class and they both absolutely love it. From day one, they’ve been made to feel so welcome and supported. The teachers are fantastic – they really get to know each child and bring out the best in them. There is such a lovely atmosphere in the school, and it’s clear that the staff genuinely care about the children.

What we love the most is how much the boys get to do – from sports and music to creative projects and school events, there is always something exciting happening. Every day they are happy to go in, which says it all!

We honestly couldn’t be happier with the school and the wonderful team behind it.

Caroline & Tony Crowe October 2025

October 13, 2025

default image

A lovely, friendly atmosphere; children and pupils happy to be there. What is really nice is that children from different age groups all know each other. My daughter says: “There are no bullies in our school!” The small size of the school means each child gets plenty of attention. (Eavan)

April 15, 2018

default image

St Nicholas' is a very welcoming, warm and friendly environment, evident from the moment you walk through the door. Children arrive in the morning with smiles on their faces and they're still there when they leave at the end of the day. Having recently moved to Galway, our children have settled extremely well into life at St Nicholas', which has been made all the easier by the supportive staff and their class peers. Visits to the museum and the theatre ensure that learning is not just confined to the classroom. The children at St Nicholas' are made to feel loved, safe and supported and this enables them to enjoy themselves, eager to learn, curious and develop, academically, socially and emotionally. Éanna

October 9, 2025

default image

As my daughter approaches the end of her primary school years in 5th class, I feel truly inspired to express our deep gratitude for the exceptional experience she has enjoyed at Primary School, St. Nicholas. Throughout the years, every teacher my daughter has encountered has contributed their own unique qualities, resulting in a rich and nurturing learning environment. It is evident that all staff members are invested not only in the academic progress of their pupils, but also in their overall wellbeing and personal development. One of the most remarkable aspects of the school is its strong sense of community. The teachers’ genuine care reaches beyond the classroom, encouraging participation in local events and helping the children to build meaningful connections with the wider community. There are so many wonderful experiences that stand out, including visits to the university, enjoying the ice cream truck in the summer, and participating in swimming lessons. These moments, among many others, have all contributed to a vibrant and memorable school experience. Words can hardly do justice — the school’s atmosphere truly has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Thanks to this supportive, inclusive, and creative environment, my daughter has flourished academically and personally. We look back with immense appreciation for the dedication, enthusiasm, and warmth shown by every teacher and member of staff. We wholeheartedly recommend Alexandra’s Primary School St. Nicholas to any family seeking a place where their child will be seen, supported, and celebrated. Emma Mooney-Wiegersma, Sean Coffey

October 8, 2025

default image

Our children have thrived at St Nicholas's. The small school size means the school is like a family. Teachers really know all the children, and the classes mix and take care of each other. It's a very secure environment which gives them great confidence as they grow and learn, and also for when they head on to secondary school and beyond.

 

February 7, 2024

default image

My daughter recently transferred to St Nicholas. The Principal, teachers and staff are kind and caring. There are lots of afterschool activities like French, sewing swimming and hockey.  The school opens at 8.30 so it is possible to make it on time to secondary school with my older children.  It has all the advantages of a small school and I am so glad I sent my daughter there and grateful to Wendy the Principal who made sure she settled in a warm and fun environment. Gillian 

October 15, 2025

default image

We moved to Galway last summer, and we enrolled our youngest 2 children into St Nicholas Parochial School. From the minute we first contacted the school, our family was met with kindness, inclusion and support. Our children run into school everyday, excited about the day ahead. The small class sizes and the incredible teachers make for such a nurturing learning experience for our children. I’ve never before encountered such a diverse, inclusive, fun, loving and caring environment for children. We feel honoured to be part of the St Nicholas’s community and grateful everyday that our children get to experience the wonder that is the small school with the big heart. (Parent)

 

February 9, 2024

default image

St. Nicholas’ is a wonderful school because it is more than a school, it is a community. it is not only a place that encourages parental involvement but also equips parents to participate in their child’s educational experience. My child is more than a number but rather a valued member of St. Nicholas’ Parochial community.

October 5, 2015

default image

The teachers at St. Nicholas' are like family. My children would never have gotten such individual attention at any other school. The support we received was life changing for our family.

February 7, 2024

default image

St. Nicholas’ Parochial School is a very good school. They have a unique way of teaching their pupils in such a way that all their students are very prepared academically and morally. Since my daughter was transferred to the school I have seen a lot of improvement. All of the teachers are really friendly. (Anthony)

April 15, 2018

default image

St Nicholas Parochial School is a gem. It's a happy, friendly, and beautiful school with small classes and great teachers. Having been part of the school community for several years, I am very happy to recommend it to any parent and especially those with children about to start Junior Infants and hoping to find a warm and nurturing environment for their little ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 8, 2024

default image

St. Nicholas’ is more than a school to us. It’s a community where our children are nurtured and loved, with afterschool on the premises, extracurricular activities near by and amazing teachers and staff. It is such a wonderful environment for our children to be educated in, celebrating diversity and individuality. Gail Power

October 8, 2025